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CANNON BALLS

I had only heard of this remarkable tree and was overwhelmed when I saw these amazing Cannon Balls hanging from a tree in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Spotted at the entrance of the Sathya Sai Hospital in Whitefield, Bangalore.

“As promised am Updating with missing details on the Fascinating CANNON BALL Tree which hails from the Amazonian rain forests of South America.”

Innumerable Balls

I simply cannot digest this Enchantment alone and thus sharing the picture without the usual details and some interesting snippets. For that kindly wait for a week when I am back on my desk at Home.

“The Cannon Ball tree ( English), Couroupita gueanensis ( Scientific name) bears large brown Cannon Ball like fruits which create a thunderous sound like a cannon being fired when they crash to the ground.

These Large trees ironically line the Footpath along the frontage of a Hospital in Bangalore, India. The Fruits are edible , fleshy and white from the insides but have a distinctive stench or odour.”

Each is the size of a Football

Look like Chikus ( do see a previous post on these fruits) from the outside but are huge compared to the Sapota.

” I have read that the trees ought not to be planted along walkways as the falling fruits can be hazardous to say the least. Yet the entire frontage of The Sathya Sai Hospital was lined by the Cannon Ball trees and none had any Warnings or Signage.

The Fruits do have Medicinal uses in native medicine and are a storehouse of numerous acids like tartaric and citric acids , thus imparting them with many curative properties.”

Clusters of Cannon Balls

Do read the following blog in which I will share with you some delightful pictures of the Blossoms of this Natural Wonder of a Tree which bears innumerable Cannon Balls on it’s trunk.

“If anyone has tasted these Fruits please do share your experiences.”

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mukul chand

51 year old entrepreneur who has traveled extensively around the world for work and pleasure , is based in New Delhi, India. A passionate traveler born with a love for flora and fauna, is an active naturalist and amateur photographer. Here he shares his unique insight into Incredible India revealing its mysterious and exotic treasures. Writing from his heart he shares his experiences as he crisscrosses this vast and amazing land.
View all posts by mukul chand

How ironic that these enormous fruits, which can be hazardous to people below, line the walkway to a hospital! At least if someone is unlucky enough to be injured by one of these fruits on that path help is not far away!

I remember coming across this tree in Kew Gardens here in the UK when visiting with my friend Brian. I cant remember where in the gardens we came across the Cannon Ball tree but it must have been in one of the glass houses (probably the tropical one). Kevin